Cardiff, one place above the relegation zone in 17th position, head to Macari’s former club Stoke on Wednesday desperate to take points from opponents who are level on 13 points with them.

But, as Mark Hughes’ side seek to bounce back from their 4-0 mauling at Everton on Saturday, Macari reckons he has seen enough fighting spirit in Malky Mackay’s squad this season for the Bluebirds to beat the drop.

“Cardiff will come to the Britannia without any stars in their team - and that could be the kind of asset that sees them survive their first season in the Premier League,” said the Manchester United legend.

“They are under no illusion that they have to work their socks off as a team every single game to get enough points to stay up.

“From what I have seen of them this season, especially against the two Manchester giants, they are prepared to run themselves into the ground to match better-equipped teams.

Lou Macari in action for Manchester United at Brighton in 1973

“Such toil and spirit is something Stoke have to match and preferably better to get a result on Wednesday.”

But former Stoke boss Macari refuses to put too much store on Wednesday’s game at the Britannia Stadium.

“I’m afraid far too much is read into individual games,” said Macari.

“Football is never that clear cut, especially over the course of a long league season.

“It is a long slog full of ups and downs and there are certainly no dramatic turning of corners.”